ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Sediment samples collected at six freshwater discharge outlets of the Pearl River Estuary were analysed for metal contamination The result showed that the concentration ranged (in mg/kg dry weight): Fe, 30,140-51,920; Cd, 0.23-1.09; Cr, 48.7-109; Pb, 22.3-70.2; respectively. Cd and Pb showed a similar spatial distribution in the sediment which reflected similar anthropogenic origins. While the concentrations of Cr in the sediments of all the sites were similar. Further more, the enrichment factor (EF) and the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) were used to comprehensively evaluate the pollution degree of heavy metals. Igeo indicated the sediment of the PRE had to be considered as ‘unpolluted’ to ‘moderately polluted’, while the EF of the sediment would be ranked as ‘minor enrichment’. This findings will be useful in proposing measures for strategic environmental control in estuary.
